My heart goes out to you; there is nothing worse than getting those types of phone calls.

My best friend since 2nd grade had breast cancer while I was away. It is something I still feel guilty about -- not being able to be there. However, I can tell you that today she is leading a more meaningful life, cancer free (over 5 years) and could care less she lost her breast. I am not saying it is easy, but it changes you and, from what I have heard, more for the better. I am so proud of her. I pray it is the same for your mother!

Stay positive NIP, they caught it early - that in itself is an extremely good thing. While you can't physically be there for her right now, you can still call or write, don't beat yourself up about being so far away either, we don't get to choose the curveballs that life throws at us. Prayers for your mum and your family x

Sorry to hear your news, my prayers are with you and your family. Am sure you can give your support from a distance as there are so many ways to communicate but know what you mean about being there for your Mum and sister. These things cant be helped, lots live abroad nowadays. You can always go tot he nearest Church and light a candle for your Mum.

Ladies, have you heard that anti perspirants are also thought to be a cause of breast cancer. Appparently there is aluminium is them and we should be using the aluminium free ones. There was a write up int he Times newspaper some time ago. I just use Impulse body spray and nothing else.

NiP, sorry to hear your news, as you say hopefully the op will remove everything that has to be removed and she will be fine.Stay positive for your mum and keep her up to date with what the LOs are doing etc as that will give her something else to focus on. big hugs

It does feel rubbish being so far away, esp at times like these. I know you can't be there all the time, but you can Sky!e her regularly. When my father was ill I used to skype him everyday, it was about the only thing I could think of doing for "us" being so far away.

Sorry to hear your bad news NIP. You are right, sometime it is so sh!t to be far away from home I know it is hard, but try to stay positive and upbeat, especially for your mum. That is what she needs right now xox

NIP where is your mum? I am 2/3 of the way through treatment for bc i'm now back in the UK and please feel reassured the treatment these days is fantastic and catching it early is key. Mine was in many lymph nodes but because of successful chemo I didn't lose a breast although I did have extensive surgery. The treatment differs for everyone but I've met loads of amazing women who have lost breasts and the surgeons do wonders for them. Physically you change but nothing can change who you are inside and that's what matters more than anything. Others posters are right, the diagnosis and treatment stage is very tough but it changes you only in a positive way and you come through stronger. Being apart from close family isn't easy but there are so many ways you can support your mum from a distance - my sister is in the US and she has given me more support than I could imagine via email, Skype and the old fashion postal service! I still live some distance from my mum and she is unable to visit me as she cares 24/7 for my dad it hurts her a lot that she can't support me more in practical ways but she is on the phone whenever I need her.Also, the early days and weeks after diagnosis are the toughest as you try and come to terms with it, but once you manage to deal with what's hit you it does get easier as the weeks pass. Best wishes to your mum as she learns more about her treatment plan.If you need any questions answered just ask x

NIP, I am so sorry to hear about your Mum, she will be in my prayers tonight. My Mum is a breast cancer survivor and we also had no family history. If you ever need to talk about it from a daughter's view, just shout out. Sending you hugs and strength.

NIP, by coming on this site and sharing your anxiety/stress am sure you feel upheld by all the support you have and will have throughout. We will be with you until your Mum is over this. She has all our prayers for a successful recovery. Keep positive!

NIP when your Mum goes for the op she will need to take pj's, a dressing gown and slippers so your present idea is a great one. There are no rules on this. It helps to have a front fastening pj top so this could be a good choice of present too.My little boys (now 6 and 3) keep me feeling positive!

Sorry to hear your Mum and family are having to go through this difficult time. We went through it last year with my Mum who had lung cancer. It's tough for everyone being so far away and not always being able to get away from work and responsibilities to be there. Sending best wishes to her for successful treatment and recovery.

So sorry about your Mum but on a positive note am glad that the dreaded cancer was detected and is being treated now. My father was detected with kidney cancer 2 yrs back...tried all treatments but it was a very angry spread...so he had to ahve one of his kidney's removed. He is hale and hearty now...needed his family to be around him to pick up his spirits...Sending loads of positive vibes, prayers and get well wishes for your mum.

Sorry to hear about your mum - i got the same call about my aunt, although she only needed a lumpectomy and 12 sessions of targeted radiotherapy.... she's now half way through the sessions and doing OK>